(MENAFN - Arab News) An 80-member Saudi trade mission, sponsored by the US Commercial Service at the US Embassy, Riyadh, has left for the US for a four-day visit aimed at building stronger bilateral commercial ties.
Ambassador James Smith is leading the Saudi delegation.
The mission is designed to share practical experiences, knowledge and ideas on the latest oil and gas industry trends in addition to challenges facing the oil and gas sectors in Saudi Arabia and the US.
As part of this visit, Saudi delegates will attend oil and gas industry's leading trade show, Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, TX.
The trade show and conference will feature insightful discussions and networking exchanges with the oil and gas sector's leading companies. Saudi delegates will have the opportunity to network and exchange views with American experts about the technologies and trends on the forefront of the oil and gas industry's future including environmental issues, fossil technologies, and drilling technologies.
Smith said: "These trade missions hold the promise to greatly expand our commercial partnership to the mutual benefit of both our peoples. US exports to Saudi Arabia grew 20 percent last year and the US is by far the leading business partner of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
He added: "We have a proven track record in our partnerships with Saudi companies and we seek to expand our trade relations with Saudi Arabia to include diverse sectors in the economy."
The US Department of Commerce staff will organize meetings between Saudi participants and their American counterparts as well as networking sessions with US companies during the 4-day visit.
US Embassy's Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs Amer Kayani said: "This year, we are collaborating with the US-Saudi Business Council as well as the Bilateral Arab American Chamber of Commerce to organize Procurement Seminars and networking events for Saudi delegates that would allow them to meet with key industry leaders in the US"
For the remainder of 2012, the US Embassy plans to organize 11 additional trade missions in diverse sectors including environment, water, energy, mining, construction, communications, safety, and medical services.
Saudi businessmen and businesswomen interested in joining these missions may contact the Commercial Section at the US Embassy in Riyadh.
